What Causes Shoulder Pain?​
The nature of the symptoms of shoulder pain can vary. Some people experience a dull ache, while others may notice sharp pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking, catching, or a feeling that the shoulder is unstable. Common causes of shoulder pain include:

Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. Tendon irritation, degeneration, or tears can contribute to pain and weakness.

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Bursitis
Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae help reduce friction between tissues. Irritation of a bursa can cause pain, particularly with certain shoulder movements.

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Shoulder Impingement
Certain shoulder movements can place stress on tissues around the joint, potentially contributing to pain.

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Frozen shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition can cause significant stiffness and progressively restricted shoulder movement.

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Arthritis
Changes within the shoulder joint can cause pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and sometimes grinding or clicking sensations.

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Labral Tears
The labrum is cartilage that helps deepen and stabilize the shoulder socket. Injury to the labrum can occur from trauma, repetitive activity, or certain sports.

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Bicep Tendonitis
The biceps tendon attaches near the shoulder and can become irritated or injured, causing pain particularly toward the front of the shoulder.

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Shoulder Instability
Some patients experience repeated slipping, partial dislocation, or dislocation of the shoulder.

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Traumatic Injuries
Falls, collisions, lifting injuries, and sports-related trauma can cause fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, or other structural damage.​